Ruben Amorim pushing for Carles Baleba as Man Utd come up with alternative to £120m-rated Brighton star

The Independent claim that United are actively trying to sign the midfielder but Brighton want around £120 million ($163m) for his services. The report adds that the Red Devils are considering an initial £80m ($109m) bid, with the rest made up in add-ons, and winger Jadon Sancho could be part of the offer - although the Seagulls are unlikely to want him.

Baleba is 'keen' on a United move but there is still a long way to go before Amorim's team can secure his signature. The report adds that if they cannot recruit the Cameroon international, the Red Devils' preferred alternative is Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton. It is anticipated, however, that the 21-year-old could cost even more than Baleba this summer.

The report adds that Palace chairman Steve Parish will be unwilling to do business for Wharton, given that the Eagles could lose star players Marc Guehi, who is wanted by Liverpool, and Tottenham target Eberechi Eze before the transfer window shuts. 

It remains to be seen if United will up their efforts to sign Baleba in the coming weeks. The Red Devils have also looked at Sporting CP's Morten Hjumland, but are said to hold concerns about his physicality, and Atalanta's Ederson.